Write a 750-1,000-word essay that analyzes the rhetorical situation of a public document. This public document is the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) found at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html. Your analysis should include at least TWO scholarly sources outside of class texts. Must
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) serves as a public document that provides valuable information regarding the disorder. This essay will analyze the rhetorical situation of the CDC’s ADHD website, examining its purpose, audience, and context. By conducting this analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the CDC effectively communicates information about ADHD to the public.
Purpose of the Document
The primary purpose of the CDC’s ADHD website is to educate the public about the disorder, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and potential impact on individuals’ lives. The website aims to provide accurate and reliable information to help individuals, families, educators, and healthcare professionals understand ADHD better.
Audience
The intended audience of the CDC’s ADHD website is broad and diverse. The document appeals to parents, caregivers, teachers, healthcare providers, and individuals themselves who seek information about ADHD. The language used is accessible to a general audience, avoiding excessive technical jargon and utilizing plain language to ensure comprehension.
Context
The context in which the CDC’s ADHD website exists is crucial to understanding its rhetorical situation. ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is often misunderstood or stigmatized, leading to misconceptions and misinformation. The CDC’s website aims to address these issues by providing evidence-based information and dispelling common myths surrounding ADHD.
Analysis of Rhetorical Appeals
Ethos: The CDC establishes its credibility through the use of authoritative sources and expert opinions. The website cites scientific studies, references reputable institutions, and provides statistics from reliable sources such as the National Survey of Children’s Health. This use of ethos enhances the credibility of the information presented.
Logos: The website employs logical appeals by presenting information in a structured and organized manner. It provides clear sections on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and resources. The use of subheadings makes it easy for visitors to navigate the site and find the specific information they are seeking. Additionally, the inclusion of statistics and research findings supports the logical appeal of the document.
Pathos: While the primary focus of the CDC’s website is on providing factual information, it also appeals to emotions by addressing the concerns and challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and their families. By acknowledging the impact of ADHD on daily life, relationships, and academic performance, the website creates empathy and understanding.
Analysis of Design Elements
Use of Visuals: The CDC’s ADHD website incorporates visuals such as images, infographics, and videos to enhance understanding and engagement. These visual elements break up text-heavy sections and provide visual representations of key concepts or data. For example, infographics illustrate statistics related to ADHD prevalence or treatment options.
Clarity of Navigation: The website’s layout is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The main menu presents clear categories that allow visitors to access specific information quickly. Subheadings within each section further aid navigation, ensuring that users can find relevant content efficiently.
Readability: The CDC utilizes plain language throughout the website to ensure that the information is accessible to a wide audience. Complex terms are defined or explained in simple terms, making it easier for individuals without a medical background to comprehend the content.
Scholarly Sources
To further analyze the rhetorical situation of the CDC’s ADHD website, two scholarly sources provide valuable insights:
Brown, R.T., et al. (2005). “American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of the School-Aged Child With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” Pediatrics, 115(6), 144-1456.
This article discusses clinical for treating school-aged children with ADHD. highlights the importance of evidence-based treatment options and offers recommendations for providers. Understanding these guidelines helps how well the CDC’s website aligns with established best.
Visser, S.N et al.2014). “Vital Signs: National and State-Specific Patterns of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment Among Insured Children Aged 2–5 Years — United States, 2008–2014.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 63(33), 719–726.
This study examines trends in ADHD treatment among insured children aged 2-5 years in the United States. Analyzing this source allows us to evaluate whether the CDC’s website addresses specific age groups adequately.
Conclusion
The CDC’s ADHD website effectively fulfills its purpose by providing accurate and accessible information to a diverse audience. By considering its rhetorical situation – including purpose, audience, context, rhetorical appeals, and design elements – we can appreciate how this public document educates individuals about ADHD while dispelling myths and reducing stigma. By utilizing credible sources, employing logical appeals, appealing to emotions when necessary, and incorporating visual elements, the CDC successfully communicates valuable information about ADHD to the public.
